Timber Canopies

Our standard offering for a canopy with a timber frame is constructed using minimum C16 tanalised soft timber with square supporting posts. The timber has a lightish green, pressure treated finish that changes to a golden brown and fades to a silver colour over time. All the connecting brackets and the glazing bars are fabricated from aluminium, powder coated in any of our standard RAL colours, see Colour options below. The supporting posts fit into aluminium base plates that ensure that the timber columns are always above ground. PVCu rainwater goods in either white or black are included as part of the standard package.

Both lean-to and free-standing versions are available, and they may be fitted with either a mono or duo pitch roof. The maximum size for a lean-to is 4m down the slope, with posts a maximum of 4m apart along the length. For a free-standing option the maximum distance between the post centres front to back is 4m, again with posts a maximum of 4m apart along the length. The choice of roof glazing includes:

Multiwall polycarbonate in clear, opal or bronze tints

Clear solid polycarbonate

Laminated glass

Where a fragile roof structure is acceptable we can design it to incorporate either timber rafters or aluminium structural glazing bars. Should you require a non-fragile roof on your shelter we would recommend our Multi-Link-Panel NF system as this conforms to the HSE’s recommended drop test for roofing assemblies ACR[M]001:2014, and passes with a ‘B’ designation.

Specials

Should you prefer something a little bit different from our standard product the following options are also available:

Please note that selecting any special option could increase manufacturing time and add extra costs to your structure.

Colour Options

RAL 9011Black

RAL 9910White(semi gloss)

RAL 5010Blue

RAL 3020Red

RAL 1021Yellow

RAL 6002Light Green

RAL 6005Dark Green

RAL 7035Light Grey

RAL 7037Dark Grey

Please note: The colours shown are not 100% accurate and are for guidance only

Help & Advice

If you have a project in mind or would like help or advice on any of our products or services, please either ring us on 01925 811311, email us at enquiries@twinfix.co.uk or get in touch via the enquiry form on our Contact Us page.

Related Downloads

Related FAQs

1. What is the minimum pitch for a polycarbonate roof?

Never install polycarbonate flat. Our standard glazing systems require a minimum pitch of 5° to ensure water can run off the roof and to eliminate ‘puddling’. Our Multi-Link-Panel modular system should be installed with a minimum 10° pitch. Contact us if you require clarification.

2. Can you walk on polycarbonate sheet?

Polycarbonate has been tested against UK wind and snow loads and we can supply you with recommended glazing centres for each thickness of polycarbonate. However you should never walk directly on polycarbonate sheet. A crawling board or similar should be placed across at least two structural supports of the roof. We can manufacture aluminium framed polycarbonate panels which have been tested for non-fragility to ACR(M)001:2014 – this does not mean you can walk on the polycarbonate but gives added resistance to accidental falls.

3. What is the fire performance of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate has good fire behaviour characteristics and receives high ratings in several major European fire performance tests including EN13501. Always check with the Twinfix sales office for current classification, at the time of writing most variants achieve a class1Y when tested against BS476 part 7 surface spread of flame.

4. How does UV affect polycarbonate?

Solar radiation has a particularly harmful effect upon materials that are not protected. Many variants of multiwall polycarbonate have a unique proprietary UV-protected surface on one or both sides, giving excellent resistance to outdoor weathering. This unique protection ensures long-term optical quality under intensive UV exposure.

5. Can Twinfix canopies be recycled?

Yes they can. The structure and panel framework are generally in aluminium, and the roof panels are in polycarbonate. All of these components can be recycled, once the life of the project is complete. Should you have one of our timber framed canopies this too can be recycled.

6. If I'm interested in one of your canopies, what happens next?

It’s very simple. Just use the contact form on this web-site, or call our office on 01925 811311 to speak to one of our internal sales team, and we will arrange for one of our surveyors to call you to arrange a site or office visit. The initial survey will normally be carried out within seven working days and within five working days of the survey we will send you a firm, no obligation quotation for a canopy that will fulfil all your needs.

7. Twinfix Multi-Link, non-fragile panels are OK for pitched roofs, but what about curves?

Providing that the glazing bars are at appropriate centres, and combined with additional purlins, in many cases curved multi-wall and solid polycarbonate roofing can be designed as being non-fragile. Any specific requirement can be checked with our Design & Planning Department.

8. Am I required by the Building Regulations to have a non-fragile roof?

The Building Regulations themselves do not refer to “non-fragility” in relation to roofing systems. However, they do require that any structure is designed in accordance with the CDM Regulations, (Construction Design & Management) and these Regulations require that all buildings should be designed to utilise the safest method of construction available. (i.e. if a non-fragile design is feasible, then it should be used.)

No, in many canopies that use multi-wall or solid polycarbonate glazing, the glazing is simply clamped into a glazing bar system that just holds these sheets in place. Whilst the sheet itself might not break, a falling object, (and in some cases even a strong wind), can flex the sheet and force it out from between the glazing bars. If someone were to trip on such a roof, they could fall through, endangering themselves and anyone underneath. Remember..... just because it doesn't break doesn't make it non-fragile.

10. Can Twinfix canopy roofs be non-fragile?

Yes, Twinfix ML16NF and ML25NF panel systems have been tested to ACR[M]001:2014, and are classified as Class B, non-fragile. We also have a solid polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panel that also achieves a Class B result.

11. Will I need planning consent?

In many cases, having one of our canopies installed will not require planning consent. However, on the basis of your specific situation we can advise you whether planning consent and/or building control approval is likely to be required. If this is the case, we can provide you with advice on how to undertake a planning application.

12. Can you offer a complete service?

Yes, we can undertake everything necessary to survey, design, manufacture and install your canopy. Our in-house design teams, who work on sophisticated CAD/CAM systems, can also advise on different design options for your space. We do not outsource any of these important elements. If the canopy installation is part of a larger project, we will liaise with the architect and/or builder to ensure that any works undertaken are co-ordinated with other elements of the project. Our fully trained, CRB checked installation teams will ensure that safety is paramount during every part of the installation process. We demonstrate our total Company commitment to health and safety by being an Accredited Contractor to CHAS, the Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

13. Do you offer any guarantees?

Our canopy structures are all manufactured from virtually maintenance free, powder coated, aluminium sections. Aluminium does not rust and should never need repainting. We offer a 10-year guarantee on all our materials and on installation where canopies are fitted by one our own installation teams.

14. Will I have a choice of colour and finish?

Yes, for the canopy structure you can choose any of our nine standard matt RAL colours. Should you wish to match an existing colour, we can supply our canopies powder coated in any RAL or BS reference colour. (Please note, however, that choosing some colours may extend lead times and attract an additional cost). The polycarbonate roof glazing is available in clear, bronze or opal colours to suit your specific needs.

15. Will the canopy be safe for users and our maintenance staff?

Although polycarbonate glazing is tough and virtually unbreakable, if simply fixed into a standard glass glazing bar system, it can be vulnerable to wind and impact loadings that cause it to pop out of the bars. Our pitched canopies are different. In addition to the weather protection that they give, our canopies utilise our unique patented, factory-made, non-fragile, Multi-Link-Panel system. This is tested to the HSE test ACR[M]001:2014 drop test. Do not consider using any system that does not comply with this test.

16. How will your canopy protect from the elements?

Our canopies are designed to shelter from rain and sun using tough, multiwall or solid polycarbonate glazing that allows light transmission, whilst filtering out virtually all the harmful UV radiation. The area under our canopies will be safe, dry, sheltered and shaded. In particularly exposed areas you may also wish us to fit vertical glazing to the sides and/or front of the canopy to give added protection and shelter from prevailing winds.

17. How will your canopy fit the uniquely shaped space that I need covered?

Whilst we follow standard design principles, our canopies are all designed to individual order so that they meet your specific requirements, however complex or simple your space(s) may be.